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Album Notes

IN LINCOLN'S WORDS for Narrator and Chamber Orchestra

NYU COMMUNITY ORCHESTRAJohn Sexton, NarratorRoger Mahadeen, Conductor

This original work recaptures the compassion and lyricism of Abraham Lincoln, in his own words. Composers and instrumentalists from the NYU Community Orchestra collaborate to create a musical tapestry that celebrates the Lincoln Bicentennial and commemorates the American Civil War Sesquicentennial. As narrated by John Sexton, President of New York University, this thoughtful collection of the 16th President of the United States now legendary writings and speeches is underscored in a variety of musical styles. With music composed by Michael Boyman, Daniel C. Hanley, Raghu Kanumalla, Roger Mahadeen, and Eric Xu, "In Lincoln's Words" provides an educational resource as well.

PROGRAM NOTESFrom his humble beginnings on the Kentucky frontier (February 12, 1809) – Abraham Lincoln recalled that his early life could be condensed into one sentence found in Gray’s Elegy, “The short and simple annals of the poor”. Lincoln’s limited education only increased his desire to learn, to write, and speak, with clarity, a respect to the meaning of words, and a pleasant sound (Early Recollections). In the face of challenge or defeat, Lincoln always maintained vigor and enthusiasm (Springfield. 1832), and eventually served four years in the Illinois state legislature and one term in Congress. (Farewell to Springfield) is marked by sadness in leaving home, and for President-elect Lincoln, the great task that awaited him in Washington. Despite his plea to reconcile a divided country (1st Inaugural) – an attack by the Confederacy on Fort Sumter, April 12, 1861 signals the start of the Civil War. Abraham Lincoln, the Commander-in-Chief, spoke to soldiers on the cause of the Union, the values at stake in a Civil War, and the worth of a free government for all people (Address to the 166th Ohio Regiment). Two of Lincoln’s greatest speeches, (The Gettysburg Address) and the (2nd Inaugural), are like prose poems with a feel for musical expression. He knew the art of timing and had an ear for rhythm. He was fond of "Dixie", and although that song was the unofficial anthem of the Confederacy, Lincoln remarked, “ I just feel like marching, always, when that tune is played”. The Confederacy surrendered on April 9, 1865. The next day, and before a serenade of cheering crowds, Lincoln reclaimed (Dixie) for the entire nation. Four days later, he was dead. Listening to what Abraham Lincoln wrote, lends his voice to this musical tribute.

"February 12, 1809" - music by Roger Mahadeen"Early Recollections" - music by Raghu Kanumalla"Springfield, 1832" - music by Roger Mahadeen"Farewell to Springfield" - music by Eric Xu"1st Inaugural" - music by Michael Boyman"Address to the 166th Ohio Regiment" - music by Eric Xu"The Gettysburg Address" - music by Daniel C. Hanley"2nd Inaugural" - music by Michael Boyman"Dixie" - music arranged by Raghu Kanumalla

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